A
man robbed of his name and his dignity strives to win them back, and gain
the freedom of his people, in this epic historical drama from director
Ridley Scott. In the year 180, the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard
Harris) throws the Roman Empire into chaos. Maximus (Russell Crowe) is one
of the Roman army's most capable and trusted generals and a key advisor to
the emperor. As Marcus' devious son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) ascends to
the throne, Maximus is set to be executed. He escapes, but is captured by
slave traders. Renamed Spaniard and forced to become a gladiator, Maximus
must battle to the death with other men for the amusement of paying
audiences. His battle skills serve him well, and he becomes one of the most
famous and admired men to fight in the Colosseum. Determined to avenge
himself against the man who took away his freedom and laid waste to his
family, Maximus believes that he can use his fame and skill in the ring to
avenge the loss of his family and former glory. As the gladiator begins to
challenge his rule, Commodus decides to put his own fighting mettle to the
test by squaring off with Maximus in a battle to the death. Gladiator also
features Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, and Oliver Reed, who
died of a heart attack midway through production.| Russell Crowe | Maximus |
| Joaquin Phoenix | Commodus |
| Connie Nielsen | Lucilla |
| Oliver Reed | Proximo |
| Derek Jacobi | Gracchus |
| Djimon Hounsou | Juba |
| Richard Harris | Marcus Aurelius |
| David Schofield | Falco |
| John Shrapnel | Gaius |
| Tomas Arana | Quintus |
| Ralph Moeller | Hagen |
| Spencer Treat Clark | Lucius |
| David Hemmings | Cassius |
| Sven Ole Thorsen | Titus |
| Giorgio Cantarini | Maximus' Son |
Genre/Type - Epic, Drama, Sword-and-Sandal, Costume Adventure, Historical Epic
Produced by - DreamWorks / Scott Free Productions / Universal
Release - May 5, 2000 (USA)
Released by - DreamWorks / Universal (Foreign)
Running time - 154 min.
Braveheart (1995, Mel Gibson)
Costantino il grande (1962, Lionello de Felice)
La Vendetta di Spartacus (1962, Michele Lupo)
The 13th Warrior (1999, John McTiernan)
L'Amour Conjugal (1995, Benoit Barbier)
Quo Vadis (2002, Jerzy Kawalerowicz)
Quo Vadis? (1985, Franco Rossi)
Vercingetorix (2001, Jacques Dorfmann)